While electric vehicles are undoubtedly better for the environment when in comparison to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, this might not be the same case when considering consumers. Because a new report from Consumer Reports has stated that EVs are significantly less reliable than ICE cars.
The report gathers data from 330,000 vehicles from models between 2000 and 2023, as well as the occasional 2024 model, and looks at a variety of problem zones, including minor issues like squeaky brakes, and bigger problems like transmission, engine, or EV battery troubles. The findings state that ICE cars have 17 problem zones, whereas EVs only have 12 (hybrids have 19 and plug-in hybrids have 20), and yet despite this, EVs show a massive 79% increase in issues when compared to ICE cars. Plug-in hybrids take this a step further by having a reported 146% more issues. It should be said however that non-plug-in hybrids post an issue rate that is 26% lower than ICE cars, so it's not all bad for the future of automation.
The report even scores a variety of vehicles out of 100 based on owner satisfaction, track testing, and safety information, and the predicted reliability of the various manufacturers might surprise you, as while Chrysler is dead last with a score of 18, Mercedes-Benz comes in second to last with a measly score of 23. The highest rated manufacturer is Lexus at 79, with Toyota following up on 76, with Mini in third at 71.
Does your experience with cars reflect the findings in the report?